The Demons are hoping to lock away star duo Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver for the future, with Melbourne reportedly beginning contract negotiations with the pair, per The Herald Sun'sย Jon Ralph.
Oliver was a highlighted figure during last year's exchange window, with Carlton understood to be showing plenty of interest in the 23-year-old.
Both Oliver and Gawn remained unsigned past this season and will demand substantial deals as the pair continue to lead the Demons midfield alongside contested bull Christian Petracca.
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Gawn's role as captain will ensures a new deal is a matter of time, but queries over Oliver's future remain persistent.
The Demons have only landed a top-eight finish once since Oliver's arrival to the club, with hopes of contending for a premiership a likely factor in whether the gun midfielder looks to extend his time in the red and blue.
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Melbourne were able to lock away fellow onballer Jack Viney to a new five-year deal at the end of last season despite significant interest from Geelong.
The Demons will once again be in the thick of the free agent action this season, with both Gawn and Oliver among several key names at the club yet to ink deals past 2021.
The pair also join a plethora of AFL stars who are off-contract this year, with Giants star Josh Kelly, Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, Blues gun Patrick Cripps and Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett headlining the out-of-contract pool.
